]]>The impact of the saddest Hollywood divorce this month just got real. The separation claimed its first casualty: people who fall in the overlap of the Venn diagram circles “People’s Choice Award enthusiasts” and “Russell Brand fans.”

It would seem that due to the actor‘s impending divorce from starlet Katy Perry, he has been disinvited from the awards ceremony. THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!

Perry is nominated for seven awards, whereas Brand hasn’t gotten shit for his turn in Arthur, so the choice was presumably an easy one for producers. The good news here is that if the split remains acrimonious for a long time, we can expect to not see Russell Brand at a lot of our favorite events.

]]>President Obama has caused an outcry today by unexpectedly abandoning a plan to veto a new security law that would allow the military to detain suspected terrorists indefinitely without trial, even if they are American citizens. This defies a pillar on which this nation was built – everyone has the right to a fair trial. To flush this away is an uncharacteristic move for Obama, as he was originally opposed to the law, or so he said. Has Cobra gotten to him? Could be. That’s totally their M.O..

Whichever side you stand on with this issue, there is one thing that should unify us. Celebrities don’t have rights. That’s why we should promptly lock away a few and throw away the key. Nine possible threats to the free world are listed below, along with some sound reasoning as to why they should spend the rest of their days in a dark hole at an undisclosed location.

Russell Brand

Though totally enjoyable under the right conditions, Russell Brand has to be stopped. And it seems like he realizes this. He’s seem more chilled out as of late and focused more on career and family rather than being a total queef. But there’s always potential for a slide-back, or worse, a poorly handled Peter Sellers reboot. It’s best to bring him in until his risk to the public can be assessed. Besides, he’s not even a citizen.

Betty White

This menace to society has to be stopped. On the surface she seems like a sweet, elderly comedienne who loves people and animals alike. What are you hiding, Betty? Nobody is as awesome as you. It’s not scientifically possible. We don’t know what nefarious plot you’re planning to hatch on an unsuspecting America, but we know that we don’t like it. Whatever it is.

Julie Taymor

Did you know that in the last few years, Julie Taymor was personally responsible for 865% of all actor injuries on the planet? You didn’t? Just trust, in that case. Much like the super-villains she brought to life for Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Ms. Taymor draws her power from a sinister source — broken collarbones and the music of U2. We can’t have a threat like this marching up Broadway.

]]>Finally, Russell Brand will be the one getting his girlfriend stolen, rather than do the stealing. I’ll never forget what he did to Peter Bretter with that Sarah Marshall girl. Horrific stuff.

In the newly announced The President Stole My Girlfriend, Brand will play a sexy hippie (is there any other kind?) who has his girlfriend stolen by the president of the United States. Hmm. Any president who is taking sloppy seconds from a dirty, dirty hippie probably isn’t fit to be elected in the first place.

The premise sounds decent, but I really would like to know who’s going to play the prez, as that part could make on break the film. I feel like the girlfriend role isn’t as important, as these type of films are generally written without much attention paid to the female character. See also: the aforementioned Sarah Marshall.

I think this film could be really great if they got Barack Obama to play the lead. Sure, he’s busy, but he’s not THAT busy.

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/the-president-is-going-to-steal-russell-brands-girlfriend/feed/08 Actors We Used To Sort Of Hate, And Now We Sort Of Don’thttp://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-lists/8-actors-that-we-used-to-sort-of-hate-and-now-we-sort-of-dont/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-lists/8-actors-that-we-used-to-sort-of-hate-and-now-we-sort-of-dont/#commentsMon, 12 Sep 2011 13:00:01 +0000http://www.screenjunkies.com/?p=227816Maybe we hated them because they are handsome...

]]>After considering the entries here for way too long, I’m a little disheartened to see that it could still just as easily be titled “9 Handsome Actors,” which isn’t much of a list.

But such is the way of the world. Handsome actors (and beautiful actresses, for that matter) are often given whatever the opposite of “the benefit of the doubt” is. (“The hindrance of the certainty?” No. That’s just stupid.) They are written off until they take pains to prove themselves, which generally comes by removing themselves from their comfort zones and tackling more difficult, creative material.

For instance, I have little doubt that Ashton Kutcher could actually appear on this list if he would ever try his hand at a film that wasn’t a romantic comedy, but alas. If you look at entries 8-5, they all shook their images by playing against type, except for perhaps Jackman, who is still a singing and dancing fool, but has killed it with his performance in The Prestige and even scene stealing turns in crappier fare like Swordfish.

At any rate, here are eight actors we used to sort of hate, and now we short of don’t.

The Old Guard

8. Brad Pitt

Pitt’s ascent from “heartthrob” to established, respected actor is indicative of the path many actors on this list have taken. After turns in such chick-friendly fare as Legends of the Fall, Thelma and Louise, and Interview with a Vampire, he turned the pretty boy image on its head with appearances in Twelve Monkeys, Se7en, Fight Club, and Snatch, quickly ingratiating him to the male audiences so determined to hate the handsome bastard. We held out as long as we could.

7. Mark Wahlberg

Honestly, Wahlberg’s path doesn’t mirror Pitt’s too closley. After making a name for himself as Donnie Wahlberg’s brother and as a pant-less rapper, Wahlberg turned in a pretty hammy but fun performance in Fear that didn’t do much to dispel people of the notion that he was a buff meathead. Honestly, he still wrestles with that preconceived notion today, after playing befuddled, overwhelmed (albeit endearing) characters in films such as I Heart Huckabees and Boogie Nights. But turns in other David O. Russell films like Three Kings and The Fighter have dispelled many of the oafish first impressions.

]]>Living in LA, you learn to keep your guard up if your girlfriend or date takes up with an actor. There are rules. First of all, don’t let your girlfriend talk to famous people that are richer and better-looking than you are. However, remember you live in LA, where almost everyone is some combination of more famous/richer/better looking than you. Then move to rule two. Rule two is: Insert yourself into their conversation so that the actor in question knows that you’re her boyfriend and your girlfriend knows that you’re on to her game. It sure as hell won’t change anything, but when they leave together, you’ll sleep easie knowing that you did everything you could.

Well, that’s the real world. Now imagine going up against fictional characters. They’re shrewder and better-looking than real people. You might as well start sobbing now. And keep your girlfriend the hell away from these guys.

6. Aldous Snow – Forgetting Sarah Marshall/Get Him to the Greek

Mr. Snow (Russell Brand) may be the biggest jackass on this list (and this list is rife with jackasses), but he has a very endearing, naïve quality that allows him to steal any woman he wants. He’s pretty much two-for-two, having stolen the titular Sarah Marshall from Jason Segel’s Peter Bretter and banged Jonah Hill’s gf in a bizarre threesome in Get Him to the Greek. If your girlfriend has a pulse and 51% of her limbs, then she’s fair game for Snow.

5. Glenn Guglia – The Wedding Singer

While we don’t see anyone lose their girlfriend to Julia’s fiancé in The Wedding Singer, it’s a foregone conclusion that he will throw back some Alabama Slammers and have his way with her. He’s also the least likely on this list to take “no” for an answer.

I think we all wish that he has taken Robbie’s (Adam Sandler) advice midway through the film and had a few drinks, then driven home.

4. Wooderson – Dazed and Confused

It’s nothing personal. It’s the Wooderson (Matthew McConaughey) way. If (when) Wooderson went after m high school girlfriend, I don’t even think I’d be mad. I’d be all, “That’s our Wooderson! It’s what he does! Psssh! Scoundrel!”

Frankly, if you take issue with your lady sleeping with a mustachioed, toe-headed Matthew McConaughey, just keep her the hell away from him and his moon tower keggers. It’s not like he’s playing his hand close to the vest.

It boils down to this: If Wooderson gets close enough to your girl to bang her, it’s your own damn fault. Seriously. It’s f*ckin’ Wooderson.

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-lists/these-6-movie-characters-will-steal-your-girlfriend/feed/0#6Screen shot 2011-08-24 at 2.55.22 PM#4Russell Brand’s Presence Is Respectfully Requested In ‘Lamb Of God’http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/russell-brands-presence-is-respectfully-requested-in-lamb-of-god/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/russell-brands-presence-is-respectfully-requested-in-lamb-of-god/#commentsTue, 02 Aug 2011 21:13:00 +0000http://www.screenjunkies.com/?p=223198If you aren't hot on this choice, wait until you see he the female frontrunner is.

The type of people that dislike Diablo Cody’s cinematic sensibilities are probably also not the biggest Russell brand fans, so I’m going to offer up this news, then duck behind this couch for a while, if that’s ok. Brand has been offered the part of William, the male protagonist, in the Cody’s next effort, Lamb of God.

Not much is known about the film’s presence beyond this logline:

The comedy follows a young conservative religious woman who loses her faith after a plane crash, decides to go to Las Vegas to live the life of a sinner, and on her journey finds her way back to her faith.

With that in mind, I’m seeing Brand as more of a Sin City stalwart than her good ole’ boy back home. The female lead, which will be the bigger part because, c’mon, it’s Diablo Cody, hasn’t been ID’d yet, though Twitch is saying that the frontrunner is Dancing with the Starscontestant and Ryan SeacrestgirlfriendJulianne Hough. She sounds…like…she would…be a very…nice addition to this project.

]]>Let’s get one thing out of the way: Yes, Alec Baldwin has brought his dry wit and devastating handsomeness to Twitter. You can find him here, and just try to remain calm.

Now that you’ve collected yourself, let’s get to the important part: Below you can see the first image from the upcoming Rock of Ages, which features the aforementioned Baldwin, Russell Brand, and a giant lollipop. I don’t really know what to say about this – after months of making fun of Rock of Ages, this photo of Baldwin is actually pretty funny. See for yourself below.

]]>Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta are just two of the stars of Adam Shankman‘s film/ponzi scheme Rock of Ages, but they are the sole stars of the photos in this gallery. So check them out, chilling by the beach, chilling on the boardwalk, chilling in the water — and remember, they’re getting paid for this.

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/gallery/cant-get-enough-of-hough-in-rock-of-ages-pics/feed/1SYKE: Alec Baldwin Wises Up And Drops Out Of ‘Rock Of Ages’http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/alec-baldwin-wises-up-and-drops-out-of-rock-of-ages/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/alec-baldwin-wises-up-and-drops-out-of-rock-of-ages/#commentsFri, 13 May 2011 18:35:25 +0000http://www.screenjunkies.com/?p=211342He's back in.

]]>UPDATE: In sad news for Alec Baldwin, it turns out that he is doing Rock of Ages after all, according to Deadline. Below is the original article, which you can now make fun of for being inaccurate in retrospect.

Adam Shankman, director of Rock of Ages, has been shamelessly bilking Hollywood star after Hollywood star into appearing in his movie. Now, finally, it appears that at least one person has broken free of his seductive grasp – star of”30 Rock” and those ads for Hulu, Alec Baldwin.

Baldwin has dropped out after being confirmed by Shankman back in March. He was supposed to play “Dennis Dupree, the owner of the Bourbon Room, the Sunset Boulevard nightclub at the center of the movie.” I guess now they’ll have to get Stephen Baldwin to do it instead?

]]>Bryan Cranston is blowing up faster and hotter than a meth lab explosion. He’s the bad guy in the Total Recall remake, he’s bringing his voice to Batman: Year One, and now he’s been cast in future SNL punchline Rock of Ages in the pivotal (how many pivots can one movie have?) role of “the mayor.” Cranston is joining a cast of names more famous and less talented than he is, including Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Mary J. Blige, Russell Brand, and Paul Giamatti (OK, the “less talented” part doesn’t go for Giamatti).

More specifically, he’s husband to the Anita Bryant/Tipper Gore-type played by Catherine Zeta-Jones who wants to ban all rock and roll. Oh no! Will rock and roll be able to survive this cultural onslaught? How about rock or roll, separately? I think rock has a bit more vigor than roll does – I hope roll pulls through OK. I’m sure they’ll both be OK – this is America, after all. (Deadline)

]]>That’s right, America – the demigod from the UK known as Russell Brand has finally “hit it big,” with both the number one and number two movies in America featuring his tricky-to-spell name on the poster. Of course, he picked a couple of pretty mediocre earners with which to earn this badge of honor, with the badly-reviewed comedy remake Arthurand the badly-reviewed comedy Easter CGI rabbit movie Hop. And I don’t just mean the reviews are mediocre: the films earned only $12.6 million and $21.6 million, respectively. No, you’re not misreading that. Plus,Hop has been the number one movie for two weekends in a row. Maybe it will keep plugging along until Easter.

Rounding out the weekend was the pretty excellent Hanna, which managed third place with $12.3 million, and Soul Surfer, the inspirational sports version of Jaws, in fourth place with $11.1 million. I’ve said it for years: If you want to make bank at the box office, you’ve got to have more than one person getting eaten by a shark. (Box Office Mojo)

Russell Brand and Helen Mirren are so good, it makes Arthurentertaining. It’s still the same old contrived Hollywood formula, and it’s not a particularly good version of it, but Brand and Mirren have fun throughout.

In case this seems like an original idea to you, Arthur (Brand) is a billionaire heir to the Bach Worldwide corporation. He gets into trouble dressing as Batman and crashing a Batmobile, which embarrasses his mother Vivienne. Vivienne plans to marry him off to Susan (Jennifer Garner), otherwise she’ll cut him off. It’s at that exact point in his life and the story that he meets whimsical Grand Central Terminal tour guide Naomi (Greta Gerwig). So he’s torn between keeping his money and going with his heart, and his nanny Hobson (Mirren) tries to steer him right.

This is mainly a collection of contrived set pieces, but that’s where Brand does his best work. He goes all out in the proposal dinner scene and doesn’t miss an opportunity to jump around, be foolish or slip in a clever joke. Brand is having fun sneering at the formula he’s stuck in, down to Arthur’s stint working in a candy store.

Hobson is funny despite being pretty mean. Calling women streetwalkers and tarts is just bullying, but Mirren is so classy she pulls off the humor in it. Her references to spoilers are more appreciated than putdowns. Susan is a totally one dimensional villain obsessed with money and status. Her drunk dominatrix schtick is beneath Garner.

Arthur is a good character. As much of his recklessness is selfless, giving away money or helping people achieve their dreams, as the other half is hedonistic. He does want noble things like conversation in a relationship, so the physical promises Susan makes actually offend his sensibilities.

The only modern touches are a brief mention of the recession and an upskirt (upkilt) shot of Arthur’s blurred out junk. I guess you could also count how this remake does what all Hollywood comedies do now and goes all serious. But the movie doesn’t seem to know when Arthur’s learned his lesson so it keeps getting serious and goes way past heartwarming. Then it takes so long to work out the plot with a wedding, running around Queens naked and another whole montage.

You won’t mind watching Arthur because of Brand and Mirren, and Gerwig is sweet, but there’s nothing memorable or hilarious. It’s just pleasant enough, which can be fine. Sometimes we just want to see pretty people have fun. That’s all this Arthur is.

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-review/review-arthur/feed/0brand-arthur-official-29 Greatest Rich Pricks In Cinema Historyhttp://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-lists/9-greatest-rich-pricks-in-cinema-history/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-lists/9-greatest-rich-pricks-in-cinema-history/#commentsTue, 05 Apr 2011 23:09:02 +0000http://www.screenjunkies.com/?p=205463Moviegoers have always been fascinated by wealthy characters, even if those characters happen to be total pricks.

Moviegoers have always been fascinated by wealthy characters, even if those characters happen to be total pricks. After all, if losers like you or me wanted to see people living in squalor, we could simply take a walking tour of our Section 8 housing complex. No, rich people are far more interesting, with their mansions, expensive cars, beautiful women, etc. Who cares if they take part in some unscrupulous business deals, or kill a few hookers? As the following characters prove, enough money will make most problems go away.

Gordon Gekko – Wall Street (1987)

Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. So says Gordon Gekko, the epitome of 80’s excess. Speaking of excess, just look at his fancy mobile phone. It’s so small and compact, yet he’s using it outside at the beach! The f*cking beach! OK, now that they give cellphones away for free, maybe it’s not as impressive. But at the time, that thing must have cost a fortune.

Remember when I said money makes most problems go away? Well, most doesn’t mean all. Gordon ends up heading to the clink for his shady business dealings. I’m not sure what happened when he got out, because I, like everyone else, never watched the sequel.

Billy Madison – Billy Madison (1995)

Billy Madison is a likable guy. But that doesn’t exclude him from being a rich prick. How else would you describe a grown man who is wealthy enough to spend his days reading porno, playing “make believe” in his bathtub, and leaving flaming bags of shit on an old man’s door step?

John Gage – Indecent Proposal (1993)

John Gage is the epitome of a rich prick. He knows he can buy and sell any man in the room. More importantly, he knows he can also buy any man’s wife. Well, almost any man. If he offered me a million dollars for a night with my spouse, I’d have to say know. Call me old fashioned, but I was raised not to take advantage of people.

The Dukes – Trading Places (1983)

The Dukes (Randolph and Mortimer) are wealthy beyond your wildest dreams. But when you can literally buy anything you desire, things tend to get boring. That’s why they decide to spice things up by manipulating a homeless guy and reducing one of their employees to ruins. It’s a great way to pass the time, if you can afford it.

Patrick Bateman – American Psycho (2000)

Having sex with a bevy of beautiful women: boring! Having sex with those women, and then cutting them up into tiny pieces: awesome! At least that’s what rich prick Patrick Bateman thinks. A lot of people find that disturbing, but his other hobby is listening to Phil Collins. Between the two, I’d say it’s a toss up.

Claus von Bülow – Reversal of Fortune (1990)

OK, now do you remember when I said money will fix almost anything? This is a much better example. Claus von Bülow is a real person who was accused of murdering his wife. He was also a fabulously rich prick. The movie tells the story of how Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz got him off the hook. He’s the same guy who helped another rich prick, OJ Simpson, beat his murder rap.

Jeffrey Lebowski – The Big Lebowski (1998)

“I’m a Lebowski, you’re a Lebowski. That’s terrific.”

Jeffrey Lebowski is definitely a prick. But despite the outward appearance of wealth, he’s not actually rich. His daughter controls his estate, and gives him a monthly allowance, which is ample. However, thanks to the unwitting help of another Jeffrey Lebowski (a.k.a. The Dude), he’s able to embezzle a cool million form the Urban Achievers fund, which only adds to his prick-ness.

Charles Foster Kane – Citizen Kane (1941)

What cinematic rich-prick list would be complete without including Charles Foster Kane. After all, he’s the prototype by which all wealthy assholes are judged. In fact, this film is considered the Citizen Kane of rich-pick Movies.

Dudley Moore – Arthur (1981)

Yeah, yeah, yeah: Russell Brand is funny. But when it comes to Arthur, Dudley Moore will always be number one. He’s a drunken wealthy ass, but at the end of the day, he’d be a blast to hang out with.

]]>Your little sister might be excited that Diego Gonzalez Boneta (“Pretty Little Liars,” “90210“) will officially star in Rock of Ages, the Broadway-musical-to-movie based on 80s songs you’re really sick of hearing at karaoke. The cast includes folks you know, like Tom Cruise, Mary J. Blige and Alec Baldwin, and now, one guy you probably didn’t know existed. Well, he does.

Boneta plays a young, wide-eyed traveler to Los Angeles named Drew who dreams of “making it” as a rock star. Yeah, we’re gonna make it. Make our dreams come true in LA. Yeah. Of course, Drew becomes a bus boy, which seems like less of a “dream” and more of a sad reality. Hopefully that’s addressed with the inclusion of the beloved Foreigner b-side “Seems Like Less of a Dream, More of a Sad Reality (Megan’s Song).”

Russell Brand, who is in every other movie these days, has also officially joined the cast. So does that mean James Franco will be wedged in there somehow too? Don’t stop believin’, you guys.

]]>Future Janis Joplin dress-up party attendeeAmy Adams recently got an Academy Award nomination for her uncharacteristically serious role in The Fighter, and now rumor has it that she’s following it up in the most logical way possible: A musical comedy with Tom Cruise. Adam Shankman, the movie’s director, is reportedly courting Adams for the part he originally offered to Anne Hathaway, which she had to decline because of her duties as Catwoman. Here’s some info on the part:

“She would play an uptight journalist who intends to eviscerate Stacee Jax with an expose. A seduction ensues instead, and after they duet to the Foreigner song I Want To Know What Love Is, nature takes its course.”

If this solidifies, Adams would be co-starring with Tom Cruise, Mary J. Blige, Alec Baldwin, and Russell Brand. So if you like the idea of seeing those people singing 80s pop tunes, get excited. (via Deadline)

]]>Anyone else see this formula as a standard template for many CG animated movies?

Everybody knows that Easter Bunnies are supposed to deliver candy, but what if one Easter Bunny… played in a rock band?

Everybody knows that pandas are supposed to be fat and slow, but what if one panda… became a kung-fu master?

Everybody knows that super-villains are supposed to be evil, but what if one super-villian… became a loving father of three adopted children?

Everybody knows that bees are supposed to make honey, but what if one bee… sued the entire human race in a court of law?

That last one is actually what happens in Bee Movie. Yup, I saw Bee Movie, and that totally happens. Anyway, I don’t necessarily think Universal’s Hop looks Smurfs bad, but it also seems like stale old mini-Snickers at this point.

The Russell Brand voiced cartoon/live action mix will be in theaters April 1st to cash in on families who can’t get enough of that sweet, sweet Easter. (Deadline)

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/films/hop/feed/0hop-movie-stillNew ‘Arthur’ Trailer Is Rich With Failed Jokeshttp://www.screenjunkies.com/video/new-arthur-trailer-is-rich-with-failed-jokes/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/video/new-arthur-trailer-is-rich-with-failed-jokes/#commentsThu, 03 Mar 2011 07:05:27 +0000http://www.screenjunkies.com/?post_type=Video&p=31342Here we see him riding the Batmobile, getting punched by his mom, and using magnets to stop a hot girl from having sex with him. Fneh?

]]>Russell Brand is back with a second Arthur trailer. Here we see him riding the Batmobile, getting punched by his mom, and using magnets to stop a hot girl from having sex with him. You know, on paper those things may sound funny, but Brand’s cheeky style elicits more “ah yes” smiles from me than actual laughs.

Also, “Under Pressure” seems like a bad song choice for Arthur. How much “pressure” is Arthur really under? He’s very rich, he has a lot of hot ladies who are interested in him for different reasons, and only as a grown man does he have to attempt holding down a shitty job. Maybe the right song would be “Paradise City?” Meanwhile, watching this trailer has stolen my sunshine.

Arthur falls down a flight of stairs in a gummy bear costume and into theaters April 8th.

]]>That’s right, Russell Brand is downright cheeky in this first trailer for the upcoming remake of Dudley Moore’s Arthur. I know, I was as surprised as you are, but there it is: cheekiness on display. Brand in a bathtub: cheeky. Brand on a horse: cheeky. Brand in a Batman costume: cheeky overload. It’s unsure how actually funny the film (or Brand) will be, but one thing is for sure: when you mix the guy who has sex with Katy Perry with Helen Mirren, Luis Guzman, Greta Gerwig, and source material from the legendary Dudley Moore, things are going to get… cheeky. Arthur is in (cheeky) theaters everywhere April 8th.

]]>I’d always felt that Russell Brand leads a charmed life and today I have confirmation that he poops candy. I knew that the director of Alvin and the Chipmunks couldn’t resist a poop-eating joke. He probably laughed like a bastard while watching The Human Centipede.

In the film, Brand plays the I’d-rather-be-drumming Easter Bunny (who is British for some reason), as he embarks on his yearly mission only to be run over by James Marsden. The end.

Oops. No. I guess there’s more movie after that. And David Hasselhoff. If there are two things that Tim Hill can’t resist, they are poop-eating and David Hasselhoff. Which do you prefer? (Apple)

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/video/russell-brand-poops-candy-in-hop-trailer/feed/0Brand To Add Swagger, Sleeveless Shirts, To ‘Rock Of Ages’http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/brand-to-add-swagger-sleeveless-shirts-to-rock-of-ages/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/brand-to-add-swagger-sleeveless-shirts-to-rock-of-ages/#commentsThu, 20 Jan 2011 21:24:51 +0000http://www.screenjunkies.com/?p=21057Is it time to see if another comedian can not only act in a not-completely-slapstick role, but also SING? Well, it's that time for Russell Brand, who is the newest purported cast addition to 'Rock of Ages'.

]]>Is it that time? That time to see if another comedian can not only act in a not-completely-slapstick role, but also SING? Well, it’s that time for Russell Brand, who is the newest purported cast addition to the already star studded New Line pic Rock of Ages. Adam Shankman‘s Broadway musical adaptation has been piling on the stars lately, from the recently cast Tom Cruise, to the rumored Alec Baldwin.

Brand’s said to be playing the role of Lonnie, who works at the 80s club The Bourbon and apparently belts out REO Speedwagon’s Can’t Fight This Feeling. Brand, no stranger to playing rock and roll types after the one two punch on Get Him To The Greek and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, should have no problem getting back into not only the swing of things, but also the impossibly tight leather pants. Pro Tip: Just remember to wrap your cucumber in tinfoil before you shove it down there, Rusty. (Deadline)

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/brand-to-add-swagger-sleeveless-shirts-to-rock-of-ages/feed/0BrandRussell Brand Wants to ‘RentaGhost’http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/russell-brand-wants-to-rentaghost/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/russell-brand-wants-to-rentaghost/#commentsThu, 09 Dec 2010 21:11:04 +0000http://www.screenjunkies.com/?p=11937This is Brand's second high-profile remake, with Arthur set to hit theaters next year. This gives me hope for a remake of "The Young Ones" with Brand playing the role of Rick Pratt.

Russell Brand has landed the lead in RentaGhost, an upcoming Warner Bros. film based on a British comedy series of the same name. The show followed the exploits of a recently deceased man who goes to work at a temp agency for the dead.

This is Brand’s second high-profile remake, with Arthur set to hit theaters next year. It also gives me hope for a remake of “The Young Ones” with Brand playing the role of Rick Pratt. (Variety)

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/russell-brand-wants-to-rentaghost/feed/0Russell-Brand_girlz‘Hop’ Teaser Will Make You Want To Play Rock Bandhttp://www.screenjunkies.com/video/hop-teaser-will-make-you-want-to-play-rock-band/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/video/hop-teaser-will-make-you-want-to-play-rock-band/#commentsTue, 23 Nov 2010 23:14:41 +0000http://www.screenjunkies.com/?post_type=Video&p=9083There's a new anthropomorphic, animated animal that we're to believe is wildly outrageous due to his drum skills and choice to wear a shirt but no pants.

]]>There’s a new anthropomorphic, animated animal that we’re to believe is wildly outrageous due to his drum skills and choice to wear a shirt but no pants. As if partial public nudity weren’t exxxtreme enough, the rabbit is also voiced by Russell Brand. So, get ready for some carrot jokes. They’ll probably go something like this, “I’ve got a carrot. (pause) But not the type you’re thinking of!” And then the skin-bags on “The View” will queef in unison.

But anyway, here we have our first look at Hop in the form of a teaser trailer. From the creators of Despicable Me, it’s pretty much a rabbit playing Blur’s “Song #2″ on the drums, though he seems to be having difficulties maintaining the beat or riding the hi-hat properly. That’s why I only recruited raccoons to join my band. Let’s show ‘em, Wookie and the Bandits! (Moviefone)

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/video/hop-teaser-will-make-you-want-to-play-rock-band/feed/0DVD Review: ‘Get Him to the Greek’http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-review/dvd-review-get-him-to-the-greek/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-review/dvd-review-get-him-to-the-greek/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000Get Him to the Greek is a half-wadded spitball at the entertainment industry and all things not sacred from Judd Apatow factory of funny. The return of infamous British rock star, Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and newcomer music intern Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) must make it to the famous Greek Theater in 72 Hours or both their careers will be left in the dust. From traveling around London, New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles this odd-ball duo leave a trail of drugs, sex, and rock 'n roll behind them. It's when the comedy stops and things get serious that the movie creaks along its way to an ending that dearly holds onto whatever &ldquo;Jeffery&rdquo; vapors it has left.

With that being said, the DVD/ BluRay release gives us another unrated, post-theatrical look at this comedy, which according the filmmaker's commentary is a push to make comedic movies into a new coined term called &ldquo;Hard Comedy,&rdquo; mixing the laughs with dramatic weight.
Special features breakdown after the jump...

Get Him to the Greek is a half-wadded spitball at the entertainment industry and all things not sacred from Judd Apatow factory of funny. The return of infamous British rock star, Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and newcomer music intern Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) must make it to the famou Greek Theater in 72 Hours or both their careers will be left in the dust. From traveling around London, New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles this odd-ball duo leave a trail of drugs, sex, and rock ‘n roll behind them. It’s when the comedy stops and things get serious that the movie creaks along its way to an ending that dearly holds onto whatever “Jeffery” vapors it has left.

With that being said, the DVD/ BluRay release gives us another unrated, post-theatrical look at this comedy, which according the filmmaker’s commentary is a push to make comedic movies into a new coined term called “Hard Comedy,” mixing the laughs with dramatic weight.

Special features breakdown after the jump…

Deleted Scenes/Extended Scenes:
A lot of these scenes are stand-alone fillers and nothing more. When watching them, you realize or at least appreciated, what the final cut of this movie looked like. A lot the jokes that worked once in the final cut like the surprise Harry Potter cameo, the various Jonah Hill sex/drug use scenes, and more puking scenes, keep coming back or go on way too long. A little scene involving Alanis Morrisette and Aldous Snow I’m sure sounded funnier on paper than in the actual pay-off. Thankfully these scenes did not make the final cut.

Alternate Opening and Ending:
This part of the DVD shows, the boring original opening with Aldous Snow’s African Child premiere party. A lot of set up for what things are to come in the movie but seeing what they had to work with here makes you appreciate the hilarious music video intro instead. The same goes for a the ending, which is titled “Riding Daphne.” Instead of the Unplugged special at the end of the movie, we meet up with Aaron and Aldous at a forest retreat where Aldous’s new addiction is free base jumping off cliffs and writing songs about Aaron’s fiancée.

Blind Medicine with Sarah Marshall:
Since this movie is spin-off sequel of Forgetting Sarah Marshall we get additional funny little moments from the faux-NBC show, “Blind Medicine” starring Sarah Marshall (Kirsten Bell) and Rick Schroeder. The best line of “Blind Medicine”: “I wish your mind was Braille, Cole. Then I could read it.”

Feature Commentary:
What has to be the strangest commentary recorded, director Nicolas Stroll, Jonah Hill, and Rose Byrne are in studio recording the commentary, Elizabeth Moss and Russell Brand seem to be somewhere on Skype cutting in on the commentary every once in a while. We find out what the cast and director think was the best line in the movie and how Diddy never sleeps. Ever.

Music Videos:
My favorite parts of the movie were these faux-music videos of Aldous Snow and Jackie Q’s. From the opening and very un-P.C. music video of “African Child” to “I Am Jesus” and “Ring Around My Rosy.” We get to see Baby Jesus getting cradle rob, break-dancing guerrilla fighters on fire, and Katy Perry inspired spoofs about getting chili dogged and breaking feminine hymens. Here we get see these hilarious music videos again in the their true Unrated fashion of drugs, sex, and rock ‘n roll.

Gag Reel:
Every Apatow factory DVD contains a “Gag Reel,” which is just a series of uncensored bloopers minus the cornball hosting of Dick Clark. Sometimes these little snippets are funnier than the actual movie. The best thing about this “Gag Reel” is the cast and crew freaking out about a 4.0 magnitude earthquake caught during a take. Seeing Jonah Hill’s double blubber chin in slow motion, while screaming for his dear life is worth a good belly laugh. The rest is just about Diddy trying not to curse too much during takes.

Line-O-Rama:
Another tradition on the Apatow factory DVDs are the alternate line reads. We see a lot more from the blink or miss them performances of Aziz Ansari and Nick Kroll, which if your a fan of their improvisation-based comedy, you’ll have a smile slapped on your face. Russell Brand screams into the camera about how much Lars from Metallica is an a-hole, Jonah Hill gets mocked raped by various chicks, and Diddy can’t help but talk about the furry walls.

Behind-the-Scenes Features:
We get three behind-the-scenes features here with the Get Him to the Greek DVD:

Making of Feature: A typical HBO specials about how everyone was great to work with and how this is a spin-off of Forgetting Sara Marshall.

Behind-the-Music: Things get a little more interesting with the making-of music tracks. We find out about how Russell Brand had to learn to sing the word “blow-jobs” correctly. Actor/writer Jason Segel makes his only appearance on the DVD, about how he wrote several Coldplay and Katy Perry inspired songs “Goin’ Down,” “Supertight,” and “My Bangers” for the movie.

The Making of African Child: What might possibly be the worst music video ever made, the cast and crew try with as much deadpan humor explain the reasoning behind “African Child.” It tries to get a touch of Christopher Guest inspired dead-pan humor with the biggest laugh coming from the emotional burnin break dancer and assistant director feelings about working on this music video.

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-review/dvd-review-get-him-to-the-greek/feed/0Helen Mirren and Russell Brand Give ‘Arthur’ a Happy Endinghttp://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/helen-mirren-and-russell-brand-give-arthur-a-happy-ending/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/helen-mirren-and-russell-brand-give-arthur-a-happy-ending/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000Who says Hollywood is out of ideas? Obviously they haven't seen this picture of Helen Mirren giving Russell Brand the old "rub & tug" on the set of Arthur. In fact, seeing a geriatric Mirren giving Brand a bathtub HJ is the most original thing I've seen in weeks, and mind you, I watch Bravo daily.

The only question is how is Hollywood going to top this? Chances are we'll see Betty White giving an "Asian massage" to the wolf-boy from Twilight sometime soon. "Team Jacob" indeed! (Cinema Blend)

Who says Hollywood is out of ideas? Obviously they haven’t seen this picture of Helen Mirren giving Russell Brand the old "rub & tug" on the set of Arthur. In fact, seeing a geriatric Mirren giving Brand a bathtub HJ is the most original thing I’ve seen in weeks, and mind you, I watch Bravo daily.

The only question is how is Hollywood going to top this? Chances are we’ll see Betty White giving an "Asian massage" to the wolf-boy from Twilight sometime soon. "Team Jacob" indeed! (Cinema Blend)

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/helen-mirren-and-russell-brand-give-arthur-a-happy-ending/feed/1Russell Brand To Wave His Sword Around In ‘Hawkwood’http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/russell-brand-to-wave-his-sword-around-in-hawkwood/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/russell-brand-to-wave-his-sword-around-in-hawkwood/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000We haven't seen much out of Russell Brand besides his roles as Aldous Snow or when he goes on "The View" and references Joy Behar's lady parts. We'll see what he can do with his next two projects, where he'll portray a drunken millionaire and the Easter Bunny. Now it looks like he may follow those up as a legendary swordsman in Hawkwood.
20th Century Fox has picked up the pitch that has Brand playing John Hawkwood, a real-life swashbuckler from Renaissance times. It's reported that the script will be punched up and tailored more to Brand's comedy style. So keep an eye out for a John Hawkwood who awkwardly hosts basic cable awards shows and flirts with crones twice his age. (Deadline)

We haven’t seen much out of Russell Brand besides his roles as Aldous Snow or when he goes on "The View" and references Joy Behar’s lady parts. We’ll see what he can do with his next two projects, where he’ll portray a drunken millionaire and the Easter Bunny. Now it looks like he may follow those up as a legendary swordsman in Hawkwood.

20th Century Fox has picked up the pitch that has Brand playing John Hawkwood, a real-life swashbuckler from Renaissance times. It’s reported that the script will be punched up and tailored more to Brand’s comedy style. So keep an eye out for a John Hawkwood who awkwardly hosts basic cable awards shows and flirts with crones twice his age. (Deadline)

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/russell-brand-to-wave-his-sword-around-in-hawkwood/feed/0‘Batman’ and ‘Arthur': Together at Lasthttp://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/batman-and-arthur-together-at-last/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/batman-and-arthur-together-at-last/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000The Batmobile has been spotted. That fact alone should make headlines.But what makes the matter even more interesting is the fact that the iconic car turned up on the set of the upcoming Arthur remake, starring Russel Brand. This could mean one of two things. Either the vehicle (which appears to be the model from Batman Forever) is one of several classic cars belonging to the titular character, or Batman himself dropped by the set because he's a huge fan of the Arthur franchise. Only time will tell.(Spoiler Alert: Bruce Wayne is Batman)When you think about it, Arthur Bach and Bruce Wayne are basically the same character. Both men are troubled millionaires who rely on their butlers as substitute father figures, and both are complex characters hiding behind the facade of a drunken playboy. The only real difference is that one is a deranged sociopath who spends his time ruthlessly pursuing a terrifying clown-like villain (played by Liza Minnelli), and the other is Batman. (Collider)

The Batmobile has been spotted. That fact alone should make headlines.

But what makes the matter even more interesting is the fact that the iconic car turned up on the set of the upcoming Arthur remake, starring Russel Brand. This could mean one of two things. Either the vehicle (which appears to be the model from Batman Forever) is one of several classic cars belonging to the titular character, or Batman himself dropped by the set because he’s a huge fan of the Arthur franchise. Only time will tell.

When you think about it, Arthur Bach and Bruce Wayne are basically the same character. Both men are troubled millionaires who rely on their butlers as substitute father figures, and both are complex characters hiding behind the facade of a drunken playboy. The only real difference is that one is a deranged sociopath who spends his time ruthlessly pursuing a terrifying clown-like villain (played by Liza Minnelli), and the other is Batman. (Collider)

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/batman-and-arthur-together-at-last/feed/1Jennifer Garner and Nick Nolte In Talks To Join ‘Arthur’ Remakehttp://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/jennifer-garner-and-nick-nolte-in-talks-to-join-arthur-remake/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/jennifer-garner-and-nick-nolte-in-talks-to-join-arthur-remake/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000Nick Nolte may take time away from his passion (rooting around through pizzeria garbage cans) to fulfill his other passion (being an actor in Hollywood movies). It's reported that both Nolte and Jennifer Garner are in negotiations to appear in the Arthur remake.Russell Brand will star as the titular drunk with Helen Mirren as his nanny and Greta Gerwig as the love interest who causes him to choose between marrying for love or money. Just like on those reality shows. If talks are successful, Garner will play the heiress that Brand is forced to marry and Nolte will play her religious father. Should negotiations fall flat, hopefully Nolte will stick around as a consultant to Brand. If you're playing a character who wakes up after a bender in the bucket of an excavator, it'd be handy to have someone on set with that kind of experience. (THR)

Nick Nolte may take time away from his passion (rooting around through pizzeria garbage cans) to fulfill his other passion (being an actor in Hollywood movies). It’s reported that both Nolte and Jennifer Garner are in negotiations to appear in the Arthur remake.

Russell Brand will star as the titular drunk with Helen Mirren as his nanny and Greta Gerwig as the love interest who causes him to choose between marrying for love or money. Just like on those reality shows. If talks are successful, Garner will play the heiress that Brand is forced to marry and Nolte will play her religious father. Should negotiations fall flat, hopefully Nolte will stick around as a consultant to Brand. If you’re playing a character who wakes up after a bender in the bucket of an excavator, it’d be handy to have someone on set with that kind of experience. (THR)

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/jennifer-garner-and-nick-nolte-in-talks-to-join-arthur-remake/feed/0Kaley Cuoco Joins Non-Pancake Comedy ‘I, Hop’http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/kaley-cuoco-joins-non-pancake-comedy-i-hop/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/kaley-cuoco-joins-non-pancake-comedy-i-hop/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 Russell Brand will be added in post. Before you start salivating, this movie isn't about a tall stack smothered in maple syrup with a side of hash browns and sausage. Kaley Cuoco, Sheldon's dreamy tall stack on The Big Bang Theory, has joined the Easter Bunny comedy (is that a thing?) I, Hop. Russell Brand and James Marsden are already set to star in the film that I'm sure will do for Easter what Adam Sandler's Eight Crazy Nights did for Hanukkah. Cuoco will play Marsden's character's sister, "who allows Marsden to live with her when he gets kicked out by his parents because he injures a big f*cking bunny rabbit and brings it home to live with him." Talk about a bad house guest! I just hope there's a gag with him in a mailbox. That joke gets me every time. (THR)

Before you start salivating, this movie isn’t about a tall stack smothered in maple syrup with a side of hash browns and sausage. Kaley Cuoco, Sheldon’s dreamy tall stack on The Big Bang Theory, has joined the Easter Bunny comedy (is that a thing?) I, Hop. Russell Brand and James Marsden are already set to star in the film that I’m sure will do for Easter what Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights did for Hanukkah.

Cuoco will play Marsden’s character’s sister, "who allows Marsden to live with her when he gets kicked out by his parents because he injures a big f*cking bunny rabbit and brings it home to live with him." Talk about a bad house guest! I just hope there’s a gag with him in a mailbox. That joke gets me every time.

]]>http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/kaley-cuoco-joins-non-pancake-comedy-i-hop/feed/2Sex Toys, Etc. in ‘Get Him To The Greek’ Red Band Trailerhttp://www.screenjunkies.com/video/sex-toys-etc-in-get-him-to-the-greek-red-band-trailer/
http://www.screenjunkies.com/video/sex-toys-etc-in-get-him-to-the-greek-red-band-trailer/#commentsWed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 Jonah Hill balks at twelve inches. It's amazing the difference between a trailer that's allowed to show dildos and one that isn't. Sometimes I watch both the rated and unrated promos for a film and still think it's going to blow, but Get Him to the Greek states the perfect case for the necessity of red band. Johah Hill plays a schlubby record label intern who's assigned by big boss P. Diddy to escort rock star Aldous Snow to his comeback concert in Los Angeles. Along the way he gets sex toys in the face, drugs up the butt, and stands really close to Russell Brand, three traditional British customs. Why their ladies worship a man who looks like a mangy Persian cat I'll never understand. Check out the red band trailer after the jump. Get Him to the Greek rocks theaters June 4, 2010.

It’s amazing the difference between a trailer that’s allowed to show dildos and one that isn’t. Sometimes I watch both the rated and unrated promos for a film and still think it’s going to blow, but Get Him to the Greek states the perfect case for the necessity of red band.

Johah Hill plays a schlubby record label intern who’s assigned by big boss P. Diddy to escort rock star Aldous Snow to his comeback concert in Los Angeles. Along the way he gets sex toys in the face, drugs up the butt, and stands really close to Russell Brand, three traditional British customs. Why their ladies worship a man who looks like a mangy Persian cat I’ll never understand.

Check out the red band trailer after the jump.Get Him to the Greek rocks theaters June 4, 2010.